Anderson accepts stroke of luck

Thursday 10 January 2008 00:08 BST

St Helens coach Daniel Anderson admitted his side were fortunate to land both points after a battling Warrington performance.

Saints claimed a 17-16 win thanks to a last-gasp drop goal by Sean Long after a converted Lee Gilmour try pulled them level. Warrington looked set for only their second derby win in 33 Super League attempts when they led 16-10 with only four minutes left before Saints' amazing comeback at Knowsley Road.

Anderson, whose side move two points clear of Leeds at the top of the engage Super League, said: "A point each would probably have been fairer."

He added: "We created a lot of opportunities but I must admit I did not think we would win when we trailed 16-10.

"I thought we may salvage a point but did not think we would get both. We dropped the ball more tonight than in the last five games and our opponents tackled well.

"Longy had a very loose night in his own words but still managed to kick the all important field goal."

Saints skipper Keiron Cunningham burrowed over for a trademark try from dummy-half to fire Saints ahead after only six minutes and they were 10-0 up when Ade Gardner scored his 27th try of the season.

Tries from Matt King and Chris Riley helped the Wolves pull level and the visitors deservedly went in front with a sizzling 70m try on the hour.

Simon Grix took Martin Gleeson's pass and bounced off Francis Meli to send Riley dashing 40m for his second try with Chris Hicks tagging on the conversion to make it 16-10 before the Saints comeback.

Warrington boss Jimmy Lowes said: "We came to St Helens and gave them a good game and it was a cruel way to lose after putting in so much effort."